The Power of CBD on Bone Health: Supporting Women Through Menopause
By Brook “Blazey Bee” Richie, Owner & CEO of Bee’s Wellness Café
As women, our bodies undergo significant changes throughout our lives, with menopause being one of the most profound. During this phase, hormonal fluctuations can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and joint pain. At Bee’s Wellness Café, we believe in the power of natural remedies to support women through these transitions. One such remedy is CBD, which works harmoniously with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to promote balance and well-being.
Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, a well-known cannabinoid. The ECS is involved in regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and reproduction. It consists of three core components:
- Endocannabinoids: These are molecules produced by your body that are similar to cannabinoids found in cannabis.
- Receptors: These are found throughout your body. Endocannabinoids bind to them to signal that the ECS needs to take action.
- CB1 Receptors: Primarily found in the central nervous system.
- CB2 Receptors: Mainly found in the peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells.
- Enzymes: These break down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function.
The Role of CBD in Menopause
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. It interacts with the ECS to help maintain homeostasis, or balance, in the body. Here’s how CBD can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing menopause:
- Hormone Regulation: CBD can help regulate the production and release of hormones, which is crucial during menopause when hormone levels fluctuate significantly. Low endocannabinoid levels can spur early menopause. Underweight or anorexic women tend to have low endocannabinoids and experience early menopause. An endocannabinoid deficiency can be balanced by boosting these levels with phytocannabinoids, or CBD, which may help delay menopause in such cases.
- Mood Stabilization: CBD’s interaction with the ECS can promote a sense of calm and well-being, helping to alleviate mood swings and anxiety.
- Pain Relief: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce joint pain and discomfort commonly experienced during menopause.
- Improved Sleep: CBD can help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which is often disrupted during menopause.
- Bone Health: The ECS plays a role in regulating bone loss after menopause. CB2 receptors are found on bone cells called osteoblasts. A common mutation in the gene that codes for CB2 receptors, resulting in fewer CB2 receptors, is associated with osteoporosis after menopause. Anandamide is the endocannabinoid responsible for forming bone at the CB1 receptor, while 2-AG helps break it down at the CB2 receptor, maintaining a balance that allows bone to remodel throughout life.
Why Add CBD to Your Daily Regimen?
Integrating CBD into your daily routine can offer multiple benefits. Unlike traditional medications that might only target one symptom, CBD works with your ECS to promote overall balance and health. Whether you’re dealing with hot flashes, mood changes, or joint pain, CBD provides a natural alternative that supports your body’s ability to manage these changes.
Expert Insight: CBD and Menopause
In their book “CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis–Healing without the High,” Leonard Leinow and Julia Birnbaum explain, “Menopause brings about a variety of symptoms due to hormonal changes, and CBD has been found to help mitigate these effects by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote balance and reduce discomfort.”
Visit Bee’s Wellness Café for a Wellness Consultation
At Bee’s Wellness Café, we are dedicated to supporting your health and wellness journey. Our expert team is here to provide personalized wellness consultations to help you determine if CBD is right for you. We offer a range of high-quality CBD products and services, such as yoga and breathwork, to assist you on your wellness journey. We are committed to educating our community on the benefits of natural remedies for maintaining hormonal balance and overall well-being.
Menopause is a natural phase of life that brings about numerous changes. Embracing natural remedies like CBD as part of your daily regimen can help you navigate this transition more comfortably. Visit Bee’s Wellness Café today to learn more about how CBD can support your health and well-being.
